Title page for ETD etd-03302010-020403

Application of a decision-making model to the selection of a ship propulsion plant

Degree

Master of Science

Department

Systems Engineering

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name

Title

Blanchard, Benjamin S. Jr.

Committee Chair

Neu, Wayne L.

Committee Member

Weldstad, J.

Committee Member

Keywords

Ship propulsion

Date of Defense

1994-07-05

Availability

restricted

Abstract

A literature search was conducted to determine to the type and
scope of decision methodologies employed in selection of a ship propulsion
plant by the commercial and naval shipbuilding communities as well as
methodologies used in other industries. The methodologies were categorized
and evaluated by the author with regard to ability to accommodate
multi-attribute decision-making involving attributes of a qualitative and
quantitative nature inherent in propulsion plant selection.

An alternative decision methodology employing the analytical
hierarchy process (AHP) combined with selection criteria and sub-criteria
unique to the shipbuilding industry was proposed which offers improvements
in consistency and quality of judgements and accountability over current
methodologies. A case study involving a 700 foot RoRo vessel design was
developed to demonstrate how the alternative methodology could be applied.
A three level decision hierarchy was developed to evaluate four propulsion
plant alternatives involving gas turbine, low speed diesel and medium
speed diesel prime movers.

The results obtained using the proposed methodology were
analyzed and sensitivity analyses were prepared assessing the range of
sub-criteria weights assigned by the author over which the plant selection
would be valid.
A description of the investigation, selection criteria and sub-criteria, benefits, and recommendations for future efforts is
included.